Ooh La La - The Croissant

Costco sells a huge container of Croissant, the delectable, buttery French rolls for a little over $5.00. (Is this statement true or false? Read on.) 

Sometimes my will power is weak, and I add these to my shopping cart. I try not to do this too often because they're too delicious and contain about a gazillion calories.

Yesterday, I had a good excuse for buying them—so I could celebrate Croissant Day today. (A perfect excuse to give into one of my food guilty pleasures. So, as I write this, I'm nibbling on a croissant and sipping a cup of tea.

DID YOU KNOW 

NOT Croissant!!

If you have read that the croissant was created at the request of Marie Antoinette, then you'll have to read on. She had nothing to do with it. The croissant did not originate in France.

Aha! My first sentence was deliberately misleading when I called it French. (The part about the price at Costco is true.)

THE FRENCH CONNECTION

The croissant began life as kipferl, a crescent-shaped bread roll, baked for centuries in Austria. The French connection was created around 1838 by August Zang, an Austrian artillery officer who introduced the pastry to Paris when he opened a Viennese bakery, Boulangerie Viennoise there.

Later, French bakers later changed the original dense dough into the flaky, buttery puff pastry we know today. They also changed the name to croissant which means, of course, crescent. 

By the 20th century, all French bakers had adopted the further refined technique that changed the dense dough to the laminated dough—layers of dough spread with butter, folded and rolled again and again.

I could watch those bakers on The Great British Baking Show make that delightful pastry for hours on end. Thankfully, it's SO much hard work that I've never had the inclination to make a croissant from scratch. Sometimes, laziness is its own reward. 

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

Well, that's my food guilty pleasure confession for today. Do you have food guilty pleasures? Inquiring minds want to know so leave a comment.

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Friday Facts - Decorated Christmas Trees

Image by Jim Cooper from Pixabay 

The popularity of Christmas trees have spread beyond Christian homes. 

It's not uncommon to see decorated trees in homes all over the world—regardless of one's cultural background or religious beliefs.

Christmas trees are beautiful, but this tradition that began in Germany several centuries ago didn't feature glitzy, sparkling decorations.

Prior to the 16th century, trees were decorated with nuts and apples and were designed to symbolize religious stories.

Beautiful ornamentation began in the 1800's when blown glass ornaments called baubles were created by glassblowers in Lauscha, Germany.

This tradition of glass ornaments became popular in Queen Victoria's reign in England because of the popularity of Queen Victoria's Christmas tree. 

Tree of Life Glass Ornament

As I said above, Germany was where decorated Christmas trees began, and the Queen's husband Albert—Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha—came from a German principality. 

When he married the Queen in 1840, he brought his German Christmas tradition with him.

Nearly 20 years later, an illustration of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their decorated tree was widely published and was a hit wither practically everyone in the English-speaking world.

The popularity of the royal family's Christmas tree spread to America, and American merchant F.W. Woolworth began importing German glass ornaments to sell in his stores.

Woolworth blazed the way, and other merchants followed which made the decorations available and affordable to most Americans.

Starry Night Glass Ornament

Glass ornaments aren't common in today's plastic world, but they are more beautiful than plastic.

They're also available in many different styles and shapes from round balls to snowflakes and miniature holiday scenes and cultural and religious themes. Even better, you can find them at many price points.

You can find ornaments with Christian, Buddhist, nature, music, and classic art themes, and so much more. Click the links in the caption and explore some exquisite glass ornaments.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

When you begin placing ornaments on your tree, why not lift your eggnog in a toast to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in honor of this tradition? Happy decorating!

9 piece Glass Ball Set

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commission but at no extra cost to you.

* * * * * * * * *

Have fun reading! NOBODY'S CINDERELLA, a spicy Christmas RomCom, on sale. Only 99¢.

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Saturday Share - Easy Hot Cocoa vs. Instant Mix

 On dreary cold, rainy days I like to indulge with a cup of hot cocoa. In the past, I would buy the large canister of (name removed since I don't want to get sued). In reading labels on several of these mixes, I learned that the ingredients are about the same on all of them.

This started as a short post to give you my healthy, delicious recipe for a cup of hot cocoa that's an alternative to the mixes you buy at the store.

That recipe is at the end of this post if you want to skip the research I did on these instant hot chocolate mixes.

Since I'm all about staying healthy, I think it's important to share with you what I discovered about the questionable ingredients in instant cocoa mixes so you can make an informed decision before consuming them.

Questionable? OMG. This led me down a rabbit hole, and I learned far more about the ingredients that convinced me I didn't want them in anything I consumed. Those ingredients begin with sugar and corn syrup (2 forms of sugar!!)

This is what I learned about the ingredients that are listed after the sugars and what can be surprising side effects from them. Here's what I learned about those ingredients in order of prominence.

Modified whey—a form of whey protein that has been altered through chemical, physical, or enzymatic processes.

Potential side effects: digestive issues like bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea. Those with kidney problems should consult a doctor before consuming modified whey as it may put additional strain on the kidneys.

Cocoa processed with alkali—this is what is called "Dutch-processed" cocoa which means the cocoa beans are treated with an alkaline solution like potassium carbonate. 

This neutralizes their natural acidity and results in a milder taste, darker color, and improved solubility. Unfortunately, it also reduces the beneficial antioxidant content (the flavanols) which is the main health benefit of cocoa.

Hydrogenated coconut oil—coconut oil that has had hydrogen added to it to make it more solid and extend its shelf life. This hydrogenation process creates trans fats, which can increase one's risk of heart disease.

Nonfat milk—milk that has had all of its fat removed. This is a good source of the benefits from milk, but the problem is that the fat was removed and replaced by the hydrogenated cocnut oil.

Salt—1 serving gives 170mg sodium which is 7% of the daily value. To give you an idea of what amount that might be, 1/4 teaspoon is 575 milligrams so I guess 170mg isn't too much.

Dipotassium phosphate—can cause side effects like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and gastrointestinal issues as well as allergic reactions like itching, swelling, rash, and difficulty breathing. 

Mono-and dyglycerides—a type of food additive classified as emulsifiers. They help mix oil and water together and are typically derived from vegetable oils. They are considered generally safe if consumed in normal amounts. 

Problems arise when someone consuming them are also eating a diet high in saturated fats. (I imagine since these ingredients are in many food products people can consume too much without realizing it.) Potential side effects can include increased risk of heart disease if consumed in large quantities. 

Natural flavor—Wow. This one is really problematic because food manufacturers are not required to tell consumers the source of the natural flavor. 

Sources considered natural are fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and even animal products. It's used to enhance the taste of the product in question without adding any nutritional value.

You should know that "natural flavors" may come from plant or animal sources, but the process of extracting and manipulating the flavor compounds happens in a lab.

Be sure and read my follow up on Natural Flavors that publishes Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

I think the "generally considered safe" label probably doesn't mean anything because the potential for allergic reaction is real since the consumer doesn't know the source of the flavor. Where's the transparency regarding souce, processing, etc.?

Then there's the moral issue of people who are vegetarian who may be consuming a product from an animal source. 

MY RECIPE FOR EASY HOT COCOA

This may take a couple of minutes longer than the "instant" hot chocolate mixes, but it's healthy.

Here is the basic recipe. Adjust amounts according to the size of your cup and your taste.

Ingredients

1 microwave safe mug (I use a tall one as shown at right)

whole milk

1 tablespoon Hershey's Cocoa Powder

boiling water

1 tablespoon sugar (I use organic sugar)

small pinch of salt

Directions

(1) Pour milk into the mug, filling it to the halfway mark.

(2) Heat the milk in the microwave to very hot

(3) Remove from microwave and add cocoa powder. Mix well. I have a tiny whisk I use.

(4) Pour boiling water to fill the mug.

(5) Add sugar and salt and whisk well.

That's it. You get natural ingredients, the health benefits of real dairy and real dark chocolate. You control the amount of sugar and salt, and you get nothing weird with potential side effects.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

The more I learn about what's in our food supply, the more determined I become to eliminate as many as possible from my kitchen and the food I prepare.

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National Spice Blend Day

Every day of the month is some kind of National day or Celebration day for one or more things. I was interested in learning that yesterday was National Spice Blend Day.

If you're a frequent reader of SlingWords, you know that I love to cook and bake. I normally do not measure the spices I use. I sprinkle a little of this and a little of that, and it comes out delicious. I learned that method of cooking from my Mom.

It makes it a little difficult to impart a recipe to my kids when they ask how I make something they love, but I try.

One thing I use frequently that requires no blending on my part is the Fajita Seasoning shown at left. The proper name of this unique blend of spices that contains NO sale and NO MSG—which is why we like it—is Bolman's Fiesta Fajita Seasoning.

Darling Hubby uses this in his dry rub on steaks and other meats destined for the grill. I use it to sprinkle on stir-fried veggies—everything from greens to sauteed squash, onions, and peppers. Then I add salt as needed.

Seriouslly, it gives a depth of flavor that adapts to many kinds of foods.

I buy it locally at HEB, Randall's, or Kroger, and it costs under $4.00. If you don't find it in your local store, you can order from Amazon. I've included that link. Unfortunately, at Amazon it's $9 bucks and change for a 5 ounce bottle, but it may be worth it in the flavor it adds to food.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you're looking for a good spice blend that will season different kinds of food, you must try Bolman's Fiesta Fajita Seasoning.

Joan participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, affiliate advertising designed to help websites earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon. If you click an Amazon link in her post, she may receive a small commision at no extra cost to you.

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Double Header - 1 Free - 1 99¢ Sale

My newsletter, I Love Reading, went out yesterday with a free book offer and a 99¢ sale offer.

Usually, this is for subscribers only, but for the Labor Day holiday I'm offering it to SlingWords readers too.

SCENTS AND SENSUALITY

"Loved the book! Two Geeks who had multiple ups and downs before they truly found each other. Lots of action and humor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads for pure pleasure!" —Karren Lucas Review

The ebook edition of this romantic comedy is free from now until tomorrow evening, Sept. 2, 2024, but not at Amazon Kindle. Available free at most other ebook sellers.  

Click to a free copy of Scents and Sensuality.

DECEPTIVELY YOURS

From now to Sept. 9, 2024, you can grab a copy of Deceptively Yours, a spicy romantic suspense for only 99¢.

"Deceptively Yours is full of surprises—a second chance at love for a woman and a man who should have ended up together, an intriguing mystery, and thrilling suspense that will keep you turning the pages until the very end."

Click to get Deceptively Yours for only 99¢ while offer lasts.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you want to subscribe to I LOVE READING, my free newsletter, to receive news each month about free books, bargains, and exclusive content, click here.

Borrow eBooks from Your Library

Many popular ebooks and audio books are available at your local library. 

Most libraries are now set up to allow ebooks to be checked out just as print books are. These ebooks can be sourced from Amazon, Google, Apple, and most online retailers. 

Most readers have heard about this, but they haven't tried it because they don't know how to do it. You don't have to be a computer whiz to do this either.

If you're not utilizing your library, you're losing a great opportunity for a constant supply of good reading with ebooks and audio books.

The process is easy, and once you do it, you'll be hooked. Here's the process you need to know. It may vary a tiny bit depending on your libary system, but basically, it's like what follows.

BORROW EBOOKS FROM YOUR LIBRARY

To borrow ebooks from your local library in 2024, you can use your library's website or an app.

Using Your Library's Website

1. You must have a library user card. If you dn't have one, go to your nearest branch library and sign up. Some libraries now offer a virtual card. If you don't plan to check out print books, see if you can sign up for a virtual card for checking out ebooks and audio books.

2. Go to your library's website and look for the eBooks section. 

3. If the website asks for which service to use to browse for books, select one of those listed. Most libraries use  OverDrive. 

4. Browse for books. When you find a book, click Borrow.

5. In most cases, you'll get an email when the book is available.

6. If you're checking out a Kindle book, you'll probably have to sign into your Amazon account to finish and get the book downloaded to your Kindle.

Using an App to Borrow a Library Ebook

1. The app used will depend on what your library system uses. Many libraries use Libby, a cross-platform application that lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks.

2. Download the app your library uses to your iPhone, Android phone, Kindle Fire, or Windows computer. If your library uses Libby, download the app for the device you plan to use.

3. Then, to borrow a book using Libby, open the app and answer "Yes" when asked if you have a library card.

4. Enter your library card account details.

5. Browse for books.

6. Tap or click on the thumbnail image of the book you want to borrow.

6. Tap "Borrow" then confirm your selection.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If you have a particular book you want to read or a favorite author that you can't find in your library's offerings, simply make a request at your local library for a title or an author's books. Chances are they will get what you want. (My ebooks are in the Overdrive system.)

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Bookworm's Guide to Organizing and Showcasing Book Collections

Today's post is by Emily Watson, a bibliophile and organizational enthusiast, who shares her expertise in curating and presenting book collections.

Drawing from her love for literature and interior design, she offers practical advice and creative ideas to help fellow book lovers beautifully organize and display their cherished reads.

Enjoy transforming your space into a reader's haven!

9 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND SHOWCASING BOOK COLLECTIONS

For every passionate bookworm, their collection is not just an assembly of books but a cherished treasure trove of knowledge, adventures, and memories. Each book, whether a dog-eared paperback or a leather-bound classic, holds a special place.

However, the challenge for many book lovers isn't just accumulating books; it's about presenting them in a way that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. To truly honor your collection, you need to follow certain guidelines. This guide will delve into eight valuable tips for organizing and showcasing book collections in your home, ensuring your personal library is both a reflection of your love for reading and a practical space for enjoyment.

1. Categorize with Care

Organizing your books starts with categorizing them thoughtfully. Think of your bookshelves as a mini-library where finding a book should be intuitive and simple. Group your books by genre, author, or even color, depending on your preference.

No matter the size of your collection,

careful categorization makes navigating

and enjoying each book effortless.

For a visually appealing shelf, mix different book sizes and orientations.

You can place larger, heavier books on the bottom shelves for stability and smaller, lighter ones at the top.

This not only makes your collection easy to navigate but also transforms it into a visually captivating display.

2. Maximize Space Creatively

Limited space shouldn't limit your book collection. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves up to the ceiling, and consider wall-mounted shelves to free up floor space. 

Corner shelves can turn an unused nook into a cozy reading spot. If you're a fan of eBooks, dedicating a digital tablet or e-reader solely for reading can save physical space for those special print editions you treasure.

3. Incorporate Personal Touches

Your book collection is a reflection of your personality. So don't be afraid to scatter personal items like photos, souvenirs, or art pieces among the books. This not only breaks the monotony of rows of books but also gives your visitors a glimpse into your world. A shelf with a mix of books and personal items becomes more than just storage – it's a story in itself.

4. Lighting Matters

Good lighting enhances the appeal of your book collection. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Strategically placed lamps can highlight specific sections of your library, while softer, ambient light provides a comfortable environment for reading.

5. Create a Reading Nook

Every book lover dreams of a perfect reading spot. Choose a comfortable chair, add a plush throw, and ensure there's ample light. Place a small table nearby to hold a cup of tea or coffee. This dedicated space will not only showcase your love for books but also invite you to spend more time reading.

A cozy reading nook, an essential part of organizing

and showcasing book collections, invites

immersion into literary worlds.

6. Seasonal Themes and Sounds

One creative way of organizing and showcasing book collections is to embrace seasonal themes in your display.

As the seasons change, rotate your books to reflect the time of year, like showcasing bright, airy novels in the summer or cozy, atmospheric reads during winter.

This is also the perfect time to organize your collection while listening to timeless summer hits, adding a fun and relaxing backdrop to the task. It's a delightful way to engage with your collection regularly, keeping your love for books alive and ever-evolving.

 

7. Maintenance is Key

Regularly dust and care for your books to keep them in good condition. Avoid placing books in direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you love lending books, consider creating a simple check-out system to keep track of them. A well-maintained collection is not just about aesthetics; it's about preserving your books for future generations.

 

8. Prepare for the Future

As your collection grows, it's wise to think about how to prepare your home library for relocation or reorganization. Knowing how to pack books for a move is crucial. Use sturdy boxes and pack books tightly to prevent damage. Label each box with the content and room destination for easy unpacking.

Maintaining your books in prime condition is vital,

ensuring they remain vibrant and inviting for years to come.

Your Personal Library: A Lasting Impression

 Creating an inviting and well-organized book collection is a rewarding endeavor. It's not just about storage; it's about crafting a space that inspires and delights.

Whether it's a book that makes you sit and write a glowing online review or a rare find at a second-hand bookstore, each book in your collection has a story. 

By organizing and showcasing book collections with care, you're not just arranging pages and covers; you're creating an environment that celebrates the joy of reading. Remember, your library is a testament to your journey through the world of literature – make it uniquely yours.

Photographs Used and Provided by Post Author

https://unsplash.com/photos/books-on-shelf-G-4wX5tZNuE

https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-finding-some-book-to-read-mbKApJz6RSU

https://unsplash.com/photos/photo-of-gel-candle-on-board-beside-pillow-u_z0X-yrJIE

https://unsplash.com/photos/books-on-brown-wooden-shelf-Ik8hRvVQzFo

Takeaway Truth

Thanks to Emily Watson for today's post. I love content that's clear and concise, don't you? Be sure and leave a comment if you reorganize your home library following Emily's tips.

How to Write Online Reviews

 At least once a year, I blog about how to write an online review whether it's for a book, a movie, or a product.

If you like something, you should write a review so other people can find that specific product.

As an author, I beg for reviews. Of course, I, like all the other authors, do it in a nice way by saying, "If you like this book, please leave a short review."

That's code for, "Please, please, please leave a review on my book."

We ask for reviews because we know how important they are for an author's success. Good reviews help other readers find our books.

We can't be blunt like Dave Ramsey, the financial guru on YouTube, and say: "Leave a 5 star review because that'll help us. Don't leave a 1 star. Just go on your way because we're not for you." Or words to that effect.

CONSUMER TASTE

I understand what Ramsey means. Consumer taste is subjective. One person may love a book, movie, or some financial advice, but another may hate it. Bad reviews keep those who might love the book, movie, or whatever from giving it a chance.

That's where writing an objective review comes in.

REVIEW IS EASY TO LEARN SKILL

An online review is like having a conversation with friends about a book you just read or a movie you watched or a video game you played.

Imagine you're getting together with friends for coffee, and you start telling them about this amazing book you're reading. That's the way you write a review—the way you talk.

A review should be about the product, not about the creator of the product. People create products. A review shouldn't denigrate the person who created it.

You can say something negative without a personal attack on the person with the intention of inflicting emotional harm.

The online world is full of bullies and trolls. Don't be one. There's enough animosity and hate in the world without perpetuating it.

7 STEPS TO WRITING ONLINE REVIEWS

1. Make notes.

After reading a book, watching a movie, using a product, etc. make a few notes while the experience is fresh in your mind.

If a book or movie, answer these questions. What was it  about? Did the story pull you in or was it a slow build? Did you like the main characters? Were they people you'd like to know? Did it end in a satisfying way? What were your emotions as you read or watched? Did you like the way everything worked out? Would you read something else written by that author?

2. Write a paragraph or two incorporating your answers to the above.

Keep it simple. Does it convey what you really felt about the book, movie, game, or website? Is it in an easy conversational style as if you were telling a friend about the book?

3. Read over what you wrote to check for grammar and misspelled words.

If you wrote it in one of the most common document apps, it's easy to spell check and grammar check.

4. Post the review on the webpage for the book, movie, game, YouTube video, etc.

Open a tab in your browser and navigate to the webpage. For example, if you bought the book on Amazon, go to the Amazon page for the book.

5. Copy and paste your review.

On the webpage, scroll down until you see Write a Customer Review. It's on most webpages that sell products. Click that. When the form opens, paste your review into the space allotted. Give it the number of stars that reflect how you felt. I've read reviews that raved about a book, but the reviewer gave it only 3 stars. 3 = average. That doesn't make sense.

6. Preview your review.

When you're finished, you always have the chance to preview what you wrote in case you'd like to add or remove something.

7. Click to Submit the Review.

That's it. Easy Peasy.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

That's the review process in a nutshell. Easy, right? Go forth and review. Please.

DROP BY AND VISIT JOAN ONLINE

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Saturday Share: Pineapple Pound Cake

Today's recipe is for a delicious cake you can make Sunday and have on hand for a fabulous dessert every night this next week for dinner.

It's easy to make so don't be discouraged by the list of ingredients or the odd instructions to place it in a cold oven and then set the temperature.

Pineapple Pound Cake

Before you start, set out the butter and shortening in advance so they will soften to room temperature.

This makes a heavy cake so be sure you check it for doneness when the time is up. You can glaze the cake with Pineapple Glaze (recipe follows) or dust powdered sugar over it.

Ingredients

1/2 cup Crisco or other shortening
2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
2 3/4 cups sugar
5 eggs
3 cups self-rising flour (or 3 cups all-purpose flour + 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup crushed pineapple including the liquid (I use Dole Pineapple in 100% juice, but if you want organic pineapple, you can find it on Amazon.)

Instructions

1. Grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. Cream the shortening, butter, and sugar with a mixer 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each egg.
4. If using all-purpose flour, sift it, the baking powder, and the salt together. If using self-rising flour, sift it first then measure it.
5. Combine the flour with the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.
6. Mix in the pineapple at slow speed then add the vamilla.
7. Pour batter into the bundt pan, smooth the top.

8. Place in a cold oven. Set the temperature at 325 degrees F. and bake 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. When done, remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. Then invert onto a serving plate.

Pineapple Glaze

2 cups of sifted powdered sugar
Juice from the pineapple

Whisk in the pineapple juice until the glaze is a pourable consistency. Spoon over the cake so it drizzles down.

Takeaway Truth

Serve and collect compliments.

7 Wonderful Things About Autumn

Ah, Autumn! How delightful to have brisk air on sunny days and cool nights.

I like October because it's the month the seasons begin their transformation here in Texas.

From long, hot summer days to cooler, shorter days, we breathe a sigh of relief as we luxuriate in the shorter days and welcome the cool nights.

Raquel Franco said, "And then the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep, and autumn was awakened."

That's exactly how it seems this first morning in October.

I like the changing of the seasons. It's kind of like a mini-New Year's Day. As the season changes, I embrace the idea of wiping away mistakes and failures—without waiting for New Year's Day.

7 Wonderful Things About Autumn

1. Getaway. If you're a parent, chances are your children have been back in school 6-8 weeks. Now is the perfect time for a romantic getaway because school is established, and grandparents will enjoy a chance to take care of the munchkins. Get vaccinated, mask up, and escape for a few days.

2. Plan the holidays. Now is the time to plan your holidays from soup to nuts. Take a weekend or two and get started. to plan your holiday. Bring back the art of sending real Christmas cards by mail. Put together your Christmas card list now and print address labels for them. Be sure and save the file, and you’ll only have to edit it in the future.

3. Plan an indoor picnic.  Summers here make picnics problematic because of the heat. Treat everyone to an indoor picnic for a change with paper plates and disposable cups. Spread a cloth, provide a sumptuous meal, and have some fun music. Best of all? No dishes to wash.

4. Collect autumn leaves. Pick up some of the beautiful red, gold, and orange autumn leaves. Take photos and post them online. Get some really big ones and place them on a pretty tray as a centerpiece on your coffee table.

5. Smores. Yes, cool nights are perfect to break out the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. If you’re lucky enough to have a fire pit in the backyard or a fireplace, learn how to make Smores the old-fashioned way. Or, just pop the treat into the microwave or oven and heat until melted and gooey. Delicious.

6. Enjoy a fire in the hearth. There’s something primitively enjoyable about a fire in the hearth. If you're lucky enough to have a fireplace, use it. Make the lighting of the first fire of the season an occasion.

7. Pre-Christmas decoration checkup. Break out the decorations now and go through them. Do the repairs now rather than when it’s time to put the decorations up. Make a list of what replacements you might need. Getting on jump on the frenzied holidays now will mean less work in December and more time to enjoy the journey.

Takeaway Truth

Most of all, enjoy the sunny days and cool nights. Fall in love with Autumn. Fall in love for real. If you're already in love, celebrate that fact.

It's Autumn when Kristina embarks on her Quest, accompanied by Wyatt, a man her father designated as her protector.

The Key To Kristina

A suspicious death, and an inheritance. A key and a clue lead to a Quest that becomes the adventure of a lifetime!

Now on Kindle Unlimited, The Key To Kristina is Free Read for subscribers, or $3.99 to buy and keep forever.

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You Might Live in Texas If

Jeff Foxworthy, famous for his "You might be a redneck" routine also does a comedy bit about folks from the Lone Star State.

Sometimes, like when I go to the small town near our house in the country, I think I get humorous material Mr. Foxworthy might like to have.

For instance, Jeff Foxworthy said, "If someone in a Lowe's store offers you assistance, and they don't work there, you may live in Texas."

OMG! How true—and it applies to big stores in big cities and small stores in small towns.

Humor Comes From Life

We were buying groceries in the small store near our country house. I said to Darling Husband, "I wonder where the bread is."

A shopper pushing a cart past said, "It's in the far corner of the store just pass the ice cream. Unless you want bread like canned biscuits, and they're in the dairy case just pass the rack of high school tee shirts."

When I thanked her, she beamed and said, "You're welcome, dear."

Later, at the checkout stand, the cashier commented on our groceries. "What kind of lettuce is that?"

Me: "Romaine."

"I've never had that before. Is it any good?"

After I told her the attributes of romaine over iceberg, she and the high school girl bagging our groceries told us we should get the Butter Crunch Blue Bell Ice Cream because it was to die for. (I later discovered they were right.)

Yes, they still bag groceries there!

As we were leaving, she told us to try the baked potatoes stuffed with chopped brisket at the local barbeque joint because it too was to die for. She was absolutely correct.

The giant Idaho spud with BBQ brisket piled on the hot fluffy potato was mouth-watering delicious and large enough to feed 3 hungry people!

Weather in the Lone Star State

Jeff Foxworthy said, "If you've worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you may live in Texas."

Yep. I've done that, and so have most Texans I know. Autumn weather is arriving as I write this. I'm wearing shorts and a long-sleeved tee shirt. I guess when you're accustomed to 90+ degree temperatures and high humidity, the brisk autumn breeze chills.

So long sleeves and shorts kind of balance each other. If it were cooler, I'd probably pull a sweat jacket on too.

Long Distances

I say if vacation means going on a car trip that lasts 6 to 8 hours or more, you may live in Texas.

We went to Midland last year. That's in far west Texas. We left in the morning and didn't arrive until evening. Never left Texas.

We measure distances in time, not in miles, and that's another aspect of living in Texas.

Jeff Foxworthy said, "If you carry jumper cables in your car and your wife knows how to use them, you may live in Texas."

Guilty. You never know when you might need them for your own vehicle or someone else's.

Traveling takes time in Texas. The speed limit may be 55 mph, but most drivers assume that's a guideline to be followed if you see a police cruiser. 

If you go 55 on most highways, everyone else will be passing you as if you're standing still. Distances are so vast that some parts of the Interstates have speed limits set at 85.

Takeaway Truth

I like how Mr. Foxworthy ends his routine. "If you actually understand these jokes, and share them with all your Texas friends, you definitely live in Texas."

(Or you want to. Just saying.)

Hang on to your Stetson as the fun and games begin in a sexy romantic comedy hotter than a bowl of Texas chili!

The Trouble With Love, a romance that's as big as Texas, is a Kindle Unlimited FREE read.

Or buy this rompin' stompin' romance for $4.99 and put it on your keeper shelf.

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Grammar Anxiety

If you're ever uncomfortable when speaking or writing because you have grammar anxiety, I have a solution for you.

Grammar anxiety is the worry that you're not using the correct verb form or incorrectly using me when you should use I, or who when it should be whom. 

This book is for anyone who is a little uncertain about his/her grammar skills. Honestly, that's most people in today's world because grammmar really isn't taught extensively in public schools in today's world.

Here's a book you might like to have.

Complete English Grammar Rules explains everything in simple terms. All the rules of English grammar, explained in simple, easy-to-understand terms.

"The grammar book for the 21st century has arrived, from the language experts at Farlex International and TheFreeDictionary.com, the trusted reference destination with 1 billion+ annual visits." 

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Font and Design Mistakes on Websites

Do your eyes get tired when you read a lot online?

Mine do. I spend about 8 hours a day online. Yes, that's a lot, but every day I'm writing and/or reading for information or entertainment.

I've found that websites with difficult fonts and/or backgrounds make my eyes feel as if acid has been poured into them.

In fact, I've got where I avoid websites with those problems.

(Image at left by magnetme from Pixabay!)

Plan your website well and always with consideration for those you hope to attract to it.  According to website design experts, readability is of primary importance.

10 Things to Avoid in  Website Design

1. Website themes with black or dark backgrounds and white or other light colored fonts.

Some think a dark dramatic background is evocative. Have pity on those who spend a lot of time reading online. This white text on black tires the eye.

2. Run from fonts in fluorescent orange, yellow, lime, etc. Those colors make the font seem to pulsate before the viewers' eyes.

3. Please don't use different fonts for everything on the virtual page. That's simply not good design. In fact, it looks "busy" like plaid or stripes on broadcast television. Pick 1 font. Use bold or italic of that font for specific elements on your website.

4. Avoid using weird fonts like 28 Days Later, Black Adder, Old English, or Vivaldi. Those fonts are difficult for most people to read.

Rather than be glued to your virtual page, a web visitor will simply move on to an easier to read website.

5. Use a sans serif font like Arial or Open Sans so that those with reading disabilities can access your content.

6. Use a resonably sized font like 12 or 14 point because not everyone online is under the age of 30.

7. Make use of white space. Content with huge text blocks tend to look like a gigantic page stretching from top to bottom. Web readers' eyes glaze over.

8. Break up your text into short paragraphs because web readers read "vertically" with their eyes scanning for the salient points.

9. Use relevant images to break up the text and add interest to the content.

By the way, I frequently finding myself using eyedrops. The eyedrop I've found that works best for me is Systane Gel Eyedrops. They're pricey at the drugstore so I've been ordering from Amazon. 

Takeaway Truth

Make your website easy on the eyes and appealing to the brain, and you'll have plenty of website visitors who return often.

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